ironhead m.p.g.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
I get a little over 50 mpg on backroads doing 55 or 60 mph, and right at 50 on the highway doing 65 or 70 mph. I can generally get about 100 miles before hitting reserve on the 2.25 gal tank averaging 60 or 65 mph. Stock displacement, SE air cleaner, slip-ons, bigger jets, Andrews accelerator pump kit, 23/49 sprockets.
Tom
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 127
From: Iowa
I get right at 40 mpg or slightly less on my completely stock '82. It has a 3 gallon tank and I'm usually switching to the reserve between 100 and 110 miles. After I switch to the reserve, there better be a gas station in the next 10 miles or so or I'm walking or hitching a ride.
Stage III
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Beckley WV
ironhead m.p.g
Depends on the terrain too Mick, makes a HUGE difference. I sure can't get 50 or 60 mpg here in the hills of WV like a rider in say Kansas on my 82.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
I've got a mostly-stock '83 sporty, and I tote around the 55 marker for average. 50 if I ride it hard or have a bad week, and definitely beaten out 65 mpg for a record high.
This is with the S&S carb. I should probably add, though, that I perpetually feel this thing runs lean, and I've been wrestling with it endlessly trying to get it to run the way I want it to. Still, mixed highway / backroads / around town of 55mpg helps make up for my limited irritation.
- Al
EDIT: Should add - my buddy runs a '72, bored out a hair and running an S&S carb. He gets 60-80 miles to the tank with the stock peanut on there.
This is with the S&S carb. I should probably add, though, that I perpetually feel this thing runs lean, and I've been wrestling with it endlessly trying to get it to run the way I want it to. Still, mixed highway / backroads / around town of 55mpg helps make up for my limited irritation.
- Al
EDIT: Should add - my buddy runs a '72, bored out a hair and running an S&S carb. He gets 60-80 miles to the tank with the stock peanut on there.
Warm day? Not windy? Not hilly? Under 55 MPH? That would be expected on a well tuned engine.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 52
Likes: 4
From: USA
I got a 1980 1000cc custom sportster with mini-baffles in drag pipes and a S&S Super E. I even got the accelerator pump screw two turns out. Odly there are some pops out the carberator. Some early in rides before the engine is warm and some every once in a while at stop sighns after the engine is warmed up. Since I ride mostly in high elevation I do not know if every thing is right for high fuel mileage. Hope puzzles do not win.
Last edited by nucklehead13; Oct 1, 2020 at 09:53 AM.
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